Google recently launched its Suspicious Site Reporter extension, which allows users to flag sites that should not be included in the Company's Safe Browsing index. The Safe Browsing index is used by Chrome and a number of other browsers. The extension also places a flag icon in the user's browser, which changes color as a result of how legitimate the current site is. Google has also released a warning that lets users know that a site may try to trick them -- this roadblock may help users avoid downloading malware.
Safe Browsing already goes through websites and looks for deceptive sites. However, with the new Suspicious Site Reporter extension, users can flag sites that may have been missed by Safe Browsing. The flagging process is straightforward, where users can either provide screenshots or the DOM content of the browser.
Image Credit: Google
What's Driving This Trend
- Safety-first Browsing
- The development of safety-focused browser extensions offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the cybersecurity market, particularly in the area of flagging deceptive sites.
- User-generated Feedback
- User-generated feedback tools like Google's Suspicious Site Reporter extension can revolutionize website and app security, providing innovation opportunities for web developers and cybersecurity firms alike.
- Real-time Risk Assessment
- The incorporation of real-time heat maps indicating a site's level of legitimacy alongside other safety-focused browser extensions would provide business professionals with new opportunities to improve the online experience and safeguard customers.
Who This Affects Most
- Cybersecurity
- The Suspicious Site Reporter extension represents a disruptive innovation opportunity by offering users greater control over their online security and providing cybersecurity firms with valuable user-generated feedback.
- Web Development
- User-generated feedback tools such as those found in the Suspicious Site Reporter extension offer innovative opportunities for web developers to improve security and user experience.
- E-commerce
- Real-time assessment of website risks, such as the level of legitimacy, would provide online retailers with valuable information to improve customer safety and increase trust.
